Why is phosphoric acid used to dissolve adrenaline in this experiment?
From experiment 16
"2. 12:15) Adrenaline and phosphoric acid solution began to heat in 15mL glass vial in glycerol bath that was initially at 100C."
The reaction needs to take place at a high temperature. Therefore, both molecules (adrenaline and phosphoric acid) must be able to withstand high temperature and not boil away. Phosphoric acid has higher boiling point than water (213 °C). This is because of its strong hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are the strongest type of bond, and therefore take the most energy to break apart (lecture 7). Phosphoric acid has three hydrogen bonds (the three hydroxyl groups attached to it).
Why is phosphoric acid used to dissolve adrenaline in this experiment?
From experiment 16
"2. 12:15) Adrenaline and phosphoric acid solution began to heat in 15mL glass vial in glycerol bath that was initially at 100C."
The reaction needs to take place at a high temperature. Therefore, both molecules (adrenaline and phosphoric acid) must be able to withstand high temperature and not boil away. Phosphoric acid has higher boiling point than water (213 °C). This is because of its strong hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are the strongest type of bond, and therefore take the most energy to break apart (lecture 7). Phosphoric acid has three hydrogen bonds (the three hydroxyl groups attached to it).
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